MAGNA STEYR presents the
third concept vehicle in the MILA innovation family at the 2008
Geneva Motor Show.

The MILA Alpin is a
compact off-roader with a body specially designed for integrating
various different types of alternative drives. This means: Excellent
all-terrain capability, wide-ranging uses and emissions of under 100
g CO2 per kilometer.

Creating an attractive
vehicle was by no means MAGNA STEYR's only priority in the MILA
Alpin project. The entire product development process was also
designed always to make assembly as cost-efficient as possible
whatever the market demands.

A new vehicle segment

Its unique configuration
makes the MILA Alpin a vehicle that stands out because of its
excellent all-terrain capability and outstanding rough road
characteristics. As a result, it is not only suitable for recreation
but also as a utility vehicle for special uses. What allows such
wide-ranging applications is the mid-engine layout with a low-cost,
but effective all-wheel drive system. Its climbing ability is
impressive: 100% or 45 degrees. On the road, too, exceptional
handling makes the MILA Alpin great fun to drive. What's more, the
hybrid drive using natural gas reduces the impact on the
environment.
The MILA Alpin's shape language also adds to its attraction
inspired by Nature, its lines are as clear as rock and ice.

Engineering

The engineers at MAGNA
STEYR set themselves the challenge of developing an off-roader in
several variants with maximum climbing ability all at low cost.
And they certainly succeeded.
The frame consists of straight sections, which are made of different
materials to guarantee low weight and enable a flexible body
concept. Modular design makes it easier to use components and
systems from volume production and combine them with various
different innovative modules and optional extras. Thanks to
independent suspension and ESP, the chassis guarantees safe on-road
characteristics. The mid-engine layout ensures good traction. The
considerable ground clearance, large overhang angles, option of
locks in the transfer case and axle drives, and low crawling speed
all go to make driving safe and relaxed off the road.

A higher sitting
position that is relatively far forward and large panoramic roof
give the driver and passengers perfect visibility. The MILA Alpin
has 3 + 1 seats.

There is also the option
of a CNG drive, a hybrid or a small, supercharged gasoline engine.

From concept to reality

To manufacture a vehicle
with low production volume and high number of variants economically,
tool investment has to be reduced as far as possible. This fact in
particular was taken into account when designing the MILA Alpin.
Given the modular design, automation can be kept at a low level and,
at the same time, flexibility in assembly at a high level. The MILA
Alpin concept can therefore be used for volume production without
any problems especially by a flexible specialist in engineering
and vehicle assembly, such as MAGNA STEYR. The requirements for
production have been met by optimizing the overall process and the
individual systems at every stage of development. This approach also
enables the costs of any subsequent modifications due to market
demand to be kept down to a minimum.
All the innovative components, such as energy storage systems, and
the expertise for hybrid drives stem from in-house advance
development.

MAGNA STEYR has
developed and designed the vehicle to be brand neutral. It can
therefore be built together with various OEMs.